Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Planning on visit Arashiyama in Kyoto? Read on our walking guide with Arashiyama itinerary with top things to do listed for half day trip to Arashiyama during cherry blossom.

Arashiyama (嵐山) is one of the popular sightseeing places in Kyoto. It is famous for its beautiful scenery, well-preserved ancient buildings, and sightseeing experience. No doubt, there are many things to see and do in Arashiyama. All the must-visit attraction is ideal to put into one-day itinerary from Kyoto. However, if you only have limited time, Arashiyama is a good place for a half-day trip to explore its natural beauty.

Arashiyama is also rated as one of the best spots for cherry blossoms in March and April as well as fall foliage in November in the Kyoto district. We have visited Arashiyama more than once, and each season has its own beauty. One of our visits was during early April, during the cherry blossom season, and it was amazing to see the sakura in full bloom.

Read on how we plan on our half-day Arashiyama itinerary from Kyoto.

How To Get To Arashiyama

First of all, Arashiyama is located slightly far distance with seven kilometers away from downtown Kyoto. However, it is pretty easy to get to Arashiyama from Osaka and Kyoto by train or bus. The train is a better option as you may get struct in the traffic by bus.

From Kyoto to Arashiyama by train or bus.

• By JR train: Take the JR San-In Line to JR Saga-Arashiyama (嵯峨嵐山) station from Kyoto Station. The 15 minutes train journey run every 20 minutes and will cost about ¥240.
• By Keifuku Randen Tram: For travelers from central Kyoto, take the Randen Line 12 stops from Shijo-Omiya (四条大宮) Station to Arashiyama (嵐山) Station. The tram runs every 10 minutes and costs ¥250.
• By Sagano Scenic Railway: From JR Kyoto (京都) Station to JR Umahori (馬堀) Station by JR Saga line. Next, transfer to Kameoka Torokko station (ロッコ亀岡駅) to take the Sagano Torokko to Arashiyama with a scenic train ride.
• By Bus: From Kyoto station and take the Kyoto City Bus (#28) and get off at Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae.

From Osaka to Arashiyama is also doable by train. There are few train operators connected between Kyoto and Osaka such as JR, Hankyu, or Keihan Main Line. It depends on where is your departure from Osaka or arrival stop in Kyoto.

• By JR train: Take the JR train from Osaka to JR Kyoto station, then transfer to JR Saga-Arashiyama station.
• By Hankyu train: Take the train to Katsura Station, and then transfer to Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station.

Note: The train operated is not connected and is situated at different stations a few minutes apart on foot.

Arashiyama Itinerary

When you are getting to Arashiyama, all the attractions are accessible by walking. There are many things to do on a sightseeing trip to Arashiyama. The whole visit can be finished by one day or a half-day trip within four to six hours.

Here is my walking route on Arashiyama itinerary for things to do in one-day:

• Ride on Sagano scenic railway (1 – 2 hours)
• Leisure walk in the bamboo grove – Must visit spot in Arashiyama (1 hour)
• Pray on Nonomiya Shrine (30 minutes)
• Visit World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple (1 hour)
• Have Some Snack at Food Street
• Try the traditional Kyoto yudofu
• Cross the Togetsu-kyo Bridge (30 minutes)
• Hozugawa River Boat Ride (1 -2 hours)

1. Ride on Sagano Scenic Railway

The scenery train ride on Sagano Railway is one of the popular activities in Arashiyama. Enjoy the beautiful countryside mountain view with nostalgic trains along the Hozugawa River.

This scenic train takes around 25 minutes for a single ride from Kameoka to Saga Torokko station. However, you can choose to take off at Arashiyama Torokko station which located nearby the bamboo forest. It is a great stop to proceed for our next stop in Arashiyama’s visit.

READ MORE: Ride on Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway

Very popular and you need to purchase your ticket before boarding the train.

• Getting there: Take JR train from JR Kyoto Station to JR Umahori station. Next, board the Sagano Scenic Train at Kameoka Torokko station for scenery ride.
• Train fare: ¥880, 25 minutes
• The Sagano Romantic Train Ticket can be purrchase through Klook and Sagano Kanto website.

2. Leisure Walk in Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama bamboo grove or bamboo forest is another must-see in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It is also one of the top sights where you can discover the refreshing natural beauty.

After arriving at Arashiyama Torokko station, a short walk will lead you to the bamboo grove. It’s hard to put into words just how excited we were to finally visit this place, as it’s been on our travel bucket list for so long. The bamboo grove looks especially beautiful when sunlight shines through from the top. It’s a leisurely walk with towering bamboo stalks lining the path. The trail is short and will take you less than 10 minutes to walk through – just be sure to allow time for taking pictures!

Sadly that it is very much touristy very many people surrounded. Probably it’s better to come here in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowd for a peaceful visit. Worth visiting when visit Arashiyama.

Besides, you may also take advantage of the Arashiyama rickshaw tour. This tricycle experience tour will bring you through the bamboo forest and few best sight in the forest. A great option for those who want to save some walking energy.

• Getting there: 5 minutes walk from Arashiyama Torokko station.
• Entrance fee: Free!

Arashiyama Travel Tips: If you arrive at Arashiyama Station or Saga-Arashiyama station, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

3. Pray at Nonomiya Shrine

The Nonomiya Shrine (野宮神社) is a small Shinto shrine located in the Arashiyama bamboo grove. It is dedicated to the Sun Goddess and to the deity of fire. It is said that the shrine provides blessings for marriage. Locals and visitors, especially for single ladies, are coming to Nonomiya Shrine to seek for purity and pray for love.

The shrine consists of a main altar and a few sub-shrines in a moss filled garden. Not too big but worth taking a look when passing by. It was beautiful as it located in the forest surrounded by trees and bamboo. A brief stop when you are in the bamboo forest.

• Getting there: located inside the bamboo forest.
• Entrance fee: Free!

4. Visit World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is one of the important temples in Kyoto. It is a famous Zen temple and now registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most beautiful part of Tenryu-ji Temple is the finest garden inside with a tranquil atmosphere. It features a is a beautiful pond surrounded by pine trees, rocks and mountain view of Arashiyama. The view is very beautiful, especially in sakura or autumn foliage season.

• Getting there: less than 10 minutes walk from Nonomiya Shrine
• Opening Hours: 8:30 to 17:00-17:30
• Entrance fee: ¥500 (additional ¥300 to main temple buildings)

5. Have Some Snack at Food Street

From Tenryu-ji Temple to the Togetsukyo bridge, there are a lot of restaurants along the roadside. Take a stroll along the street and choose what to eat in Arashiyama. From a Western cafe, Japanese restaurants or small shops are all available on the main street.

Added, there are also many Japanese local street snacks to try along the way. Take the opportunity to grab some snacks and refreshments.

• Getting there: 5 minutes walk from Tenryuji Temple

6. Try the traditional Kyoto yudofu

Kyoto is the place in Japan to eat yudofu. There are many places to try this specialty in Kyoto.

If you want to have a great tofu dining experience in Arashiyama, you should try Yudofu Sagano! This restaurant is famous for tofu dishes in Arasihayama. Your food journey will be pleased not only through your taste buds but also through your eyes, as the restaurants are located in the beautiful gardens.

The Yudofu course meals are generally available from ¥3,000 up to ¥4,000 depending on the number of items in the meals.

7. Cross the Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Walk along the main street of Arashiyama toward the riverside. The wooden Togetsu-kyo Bridge (渡月橋) is another iconic landmark in Arashiyama. It is a well-known symbol of Arashiyama which spans across Katsura Rivers for more than 1000 years.

It was a beautiful scene with cherry trees lining the river. Locals were having picnics in the riverside park next to the Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

You can also follow the signs for a 20-minute hike up to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, another attraction in Arashiyama. We didn’t visit the Monkey Park and just spent time wandering around.

Getting there: 5 minutes walk from Tenryuji Temple

8. Hozugawa River Boat Ride

If you are interested, you may consider to include the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in your Arashiyama itinerary. The boat will be rowing at the Hozugawa river with beautiful scenery along the journey. It one of the best ways to embrace the greatness of mother nature in Arashiyama.

Unfortunately, we did not know about this boat ride before our Arashiyama trip. And only get to know this amazing experience when we take the Sagano train. Hopefully, we have a chance to come back for the boat ride.

Anyway, this 1 to 2 hours Hozugawa River Boat ride is not cheap. But worth for the best view especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage.

• Getting there: Purchase your boat package at the ticket counter (train station). Get to boarding point which required 5 minutes walk from Kameoka station. 
• Boat Fare: ¥4,100
• Official website: https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en

What To Eat in Arashiyama

Don’t forget to head back to Arashiyama main street and use this chance to grab a bite for lunch. There are plenty of options and many stores here selling small bites, traditional Japanese snacks, street food, and drinks. You can also taste the yodofu and Japanese cuisine here.

In Arashiyama, there are several popular foods are specialty food for this region and must try here. Here are our recommendations in the Arashiyama food guide

Yutofu Meal

Yotofu is a specialty and popular dish in Arashiyama. The tofu meal in Arashiyama may not be for everyone, especially those who are expecting a meaty or strongly flavored meal. But it is still worth to try it when visiting Arashiyama.

The famous tofu restaurants in Arashiyama are Saga Tofu Ine (嵯峨豆腐稻), Shoraian (松籟庵), and Yudofu Sagano (湯豆腐 嵯峨野).

If you’re interested in trying tofu without spending too much money, consider visiting Yudofu Chaya Sagatofu Sanchu. This cabin kiosk offers quick snacks, noodle dishes, and yudofu at reasonable prices. It’s a convenient stop while visiting Arashiyama. The stall located on the same corner of food stall cluster such as Kotoimo Honpo (古都芋本舖) and easy to find.

Arashiyama Yoshimura

Handmade Soba: Arashiyama Yoshimura (嵐山よしむら蕎麥麵) is a popular soba restaurant located near Togetsu-kyo Bridge. It is just located few steps aways from % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama.

It’s a great place for lunch after visiting Arashiyama. It’s best to arrive early, as the place is popular. No reservations can be made, so you will need to come early to get your table number. The staff will give you an estimated waiting time so diners can stroll around the nearby gardens while waiting.

We had to wait for about 1 hour to be seated. But worth the waiting time. The food is amazing, delicious, and reasonably priced.

There are table and counter seating area. If you’re really lucky, you can snag a seat right by the window. In that case, your eyes will be treated to the beauty of the Hozu-gawa River and the Arashiyama Mountains.

Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Cafe and Desserts: In Arashiyama, there are several fantastic cafes and dessert shops that will leave you feeling satisfied. One of the most well-liked cafes is Arabica Kyoto, which is situated on the river bank. It’s easy to spot due to the long line of customers waiting outside.

% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama – A small shop is perfectly positioned not far from Togetsu-kyo Bridge, facing the river with a beautiful view. The line is always long, and you can see the barista and staff working non-stop to make coffee.

They don’t offer seating, but you can take your coffee to the Katsura riverside and enjoy the view. It’s a lovely spot for a break with a great view.

Kotoimo Honpo

Kotoimo Honpo (古都芋本舖) is a popular street food spot in Arashiyama. The small snack shop is situated at the entrance of the Arashimaya Bamboo Forest.

Kotoimo Honpo offers a variety of traditional Japanese sweets such as sweet soy sauce mochi and candied baked sweet potatoes. The thin, crispy, and savory sweet potato chips are truly addicting, with many people lining up for these snacks.

Kyozuan

Kyozuan (京豆庵) is famous for its tofu ice cream made from 100% Japanese soybeans. It’s a great place to enjoy a refreshing drink in hot weather. The shop is located next to Kotoimo Honpo and at the corner of the food stall cluster at the entrance of the Bamboo Grove.

Other food options that are worth recommending to eat in Arashiyama, include:

Unagi: Unagiya Hirokawa is renowned for its Unagi sets in Arashiyama. Reservations are highly recommended as this restaurant gets extremely crowded.

Where To Stay? Kyoto Or Arashiyama

Arashiyama is very ideal for a day trip from Kyoto with well-connected transportation. But, it is great to stay overnight to enjoy beauty peacefully when all the day-tripper leaving. If you want to stay overnight in Arashiyama, we highly recommend you to stay overnight in a traditional ryokan there.

Rangetsu, Suiran Hotel, and Arashiyama Benkei are the best finest ryokan in Arashiyama. All are perfect traditional ryokan that made you feel like your own Japanese home with onsen facilities. A great place for your perfect stay in Arashiyama who want to be based here. Friendly reminder that limited rooms are available for ryokan. Reserve your rooms as earlier as possible to avoid disappointment.

Arashiyama Itinerary Tips

Half Day Trip To Arashiyama

All in all, we enjoy our half-day trip to Arashiyama. All the must-visit attraction was included in my walking itinerary. It is a leisure trip and a great retreat outside of Kyoto city. Even if you only have half-day in Arashiyama, you still can manage to accomplish most of them.

However, if you have time for one day in Arashiyama, we highly recommended go for the Hozugawa River Boat ride and enjoy nature along the river. There are still many places like Jojakukoji Temple, Gioji temple, Hogonin, monkey park to visit in Arashiyama. In short, Arashiyama worth for allocating more time for exploring. If you are interested, continue to read on my related travel blog on Kansai itinerary planning.

How to Plan Your 7 Days Kansai Japan itinerary

Osaka itinerary:

• Things to do in Osaka: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Osaka Amazing Pass itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Osaka Food Guide: Top 8 Unique Food To Eat in Osaka
• Where to Stay in Osaka: Namba or Umeda

Kyoto itinerary: 

• 15 Things To Do and Eat for 3 Days in Kyoto
• Where to Stay in Kyoto + Itinerary Guide
• Ride On Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway
• Half Day Trip To Arashiyama
• Trip To Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion
• Kiyomizudera Itinerary with Walking Guide
• Nishiki Market Travel Guide: What To Eat and Buy
• [Cherry Blossom in Kyoto] Philosopher’s Walk

Best Day trip from Kyoto or Osaka

• Nara Itinerary: Perfect Day Trip From Osaka & Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: A Complete Travel Guide
• Uji Itinerary: Best Day Trip From Kyoto

How to travel to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara:

• The Best Kansai Train Pass: Budget Guide & Transport Tips
• Kansai Airport to Osaka with Cheapest Transportation
• How To Get To Kyoto From Kansai Airport, Osaka & Tokyo
• From Tokyo To Kyoto: Cheapest Or Fastest?

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Enjoy the beautiful view of the Hozugawa River by Sagano scenic railway ride. The best way to enjoy the Arashiyama into your Kyoto trip.

Western Kyoto is famous for its natural beauty, especially at Asahiyama district. Day trip to Arashiyama is a must-do when planning on the Kyoto itinerary. Moreover, one of the attractions to do in the Arashiyama takes the sightseeing train ride, called the Sagano Scenic Railway. It is one of the best ways to mesmerized the natural beauty in Kyoto.

Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野観光鉄道) also known as Sagano Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko. This sightseeing train run between Arashiyama and Kameoka, riding along the Hozugawa River. The whole journey takes about 25 minutes for the 7-kilometer journey. It is very popular especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage.

Asahiyama Sagano Scenic Railway

Sagano Scenic Railway is nostalgic trains with wooden benches. Total 5 old carriages which are four enclosed carriages with enclosed window and one open-air carriage.

For four enclosed carriages, all seats are reserved and can be purchase one month in advance. However, the open car (No#5) is only available as a same-day ticket. Added, a small number of standing tickets will be on sale after the ticket finish.

Extremely popular especially peak season. So please remember to reserve your ticket..

• Train Fare: ¥880 (adult) and ¥440 (children), 25 minutes
• Operating hour: 9:00 to 16:00 (until 17:00 on busy days)
• Close: every Wednesday except national holidays, spring and summer holiday and autumn foliage season. Not operate during winter from Dec 30 to end of Feb
• Official website: www.sagano-kanto.co.jp/en/

How To Take Sagano Scenic Railway

There are total 4 stop for this sightseeing train which is Kameoka (亀岡), Hozukyo (保津峡), Arashiyama (嵐山), Saga (嵯峨) Torokko station.

Depend on your Arashiyama itinerary. You can choose to take the scenic ride either before or after visit Arashiyama.

• Upstream direction: from Kameoka, Hozukyo, Arashiyama, and end at Saga Torokko station.
• Downstream direction: from Saga, Arashiyama, Hozukyo, and end at Kameoka Torokko station.

Most people will choose to take on/off at Arashiyama Torokko station (ロッコ嵐山駅). This station is located nearby the Arashiyama famous attraction, bamboo forest. It is will save some walk from the station before proceed for Arashiyama itinerary.

Upstream Direction: From Kameoka to Arashiyama Torokko Station

How to get there: Take the JR Saga line train from JR Kyoto Station (京都駅) to JR Umahori Station (馬堀駅) by JR Arashiyama line. The boarding platform at Kyoto Station is typically located at platform #30-32.

Please note that JR Umahori station is not directly connected to Kameoka Torokko station. There is a 10 minutes walking journey to Kameoka Torokko station to catch the Sagano romantic train.

You don’t have to worry about finding directions to Kameoka Torokko station as well-marked instructions will guide you there with a 10-minute walk from the JR station exit.

The route from the exit of JR station to the Kameoka Torokko station is a beautiful and scenic one, with trees, mountains, and a flowing river. It’s a calm and peaceful walkable journey.

Soon, you will arrive at Kameoka Torokko station where you will board the Sagano Scenic train.

A lot of people were queuing inside the Kameoka Torokko station while waiting for the train to arrive. If you’re unable to purchase a ticket online, you can try your luck with standing tickets, which are sold at the ticket windows of each Sagano Romantic Train station on a first-come, first-served basis.

The gate opens 10 minutes before the departure time.

The Sagano Romantic train arrived on time. It was very crowded during our visit in cherry blossom season. Can’t imagine the crowd on autumn foliage which is the super peak season.

During the train journey, it will be passing through tunnels and magical mountains. The scenery was amazing with scenic train run along the Hozugawa River. Train was moving at a relatively slow pace allowing you to enjoy the scenery optimally.

Enjoy your time and appreciate the countryside alongside the river.

The train was a brief stop at Hozukyo Torokko station. A Japanese guy with fierce-looking mask jumps on and board the train. Travelers especially kids were entertained by his joke and action. A fun arrangement to entertain visitors. This arrangement will be canceled if the weather is not good

In the end, we got off at Arashiyama Torokko station and headed towards the bamboo grove as our next stop in Arashiyama. The whole train ride passed rather quickly with about 25 minutes.

Sagano Romantic Train Ride Tips

Traveler tips: The Sagano Torokko train tickets can be difficult to obtain due to their popularity in Arashiyama. There are only 5 carriages available for a one-way ride, so it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance. The tickets will be available for purchase one month in advance. While Carriage #5 is an open-air carriage, it may be crowded, obstructing the view. Therefore, seating in even-numbered carriages offers a better view.

If possible, try to get a car seat with an even number when taking the Torokko ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama Torokko Station (upstream direction). The view is better compared to an odd number.

Besides, there is another option to explore the beauty in Arashiyama. The Hozugawa River Boat ride with beautiful scenery along the boat journey. Anyway, it is not cheap. Cost is about ¥4,100 for 1 to 2 hours. More info from the official website.

Arashiyama with Sagano Romantic Train Ride

All in all, the Sagano Scenic Railway was a fun little train ride with some amazing scenery. Well, I didn’t feel romantic at all as it was also named as Sagano Romantic Train. It can be very crowded especially during peak season.

Related Read: Day Trip To Arashiyama Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Traveling to the Kyoto? Free feel to continue to check out our travel stories to some other interesting places:

• 15 Things To Do and Eat for 3 Days in Kyoto
• Where To Stay in Kyoto: Best Areas and Hotels
• Trip To Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion
• Kiyomizudera Itinerary with Walking Guide
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: A Complete Travel Guide
• Nishiki Market Travel Guide: What To Eat and Buy
• [Cherry Blossom in Kyoto] Philosopher’s Walk

More trip options from Kyoto:

• Nara Itinerary: Perfect Day Trip From Osaka & Kyoto
• Uji Itinerary: Best Day Trip From Kyoto
• Osaka Amazing Pass itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog